April 6, 2001

HOUSE EXECUTIVE MESSAGE NO. 113

The Honorable Ben Lujan and

Members of the House of Representatives

Executive-Legislative Building

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503

Honorable Speaker and Members of the House:

I have this day VETOED and am returning HOUSE BILL 302, as amended,

enacted by the Forty-Fifth Legislature, First Session, 2001.

This bill would expand the mission of the Retiree Health Care Authority beyond benefits for eligible retiree groups and allow certain citizens to participate in prescription drug program. Senior prescription drug and other health care issues are more appropriately resolved at the federal level rather than in a piecemeal fashion at the state level. Also, it is not affordable in the overall budget scheme.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor

RECEIVED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR:

Time: _____________________ By:_____________________________

Secretary of State

Date ______________________

Time:______________________

Date_______________________ By:_____________________________

Chief Clerk of the House

h h